2013 Educator's Manual for MCAS-Alt - Massachusetts Department ...

Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)
A. Overview
The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is the state’s testing program for
students, which is implemented in response to the Education Reform Law of 1993. Statewide
assessments, along with other components of education reform, are designed to strengthen public
education in Massachusetts and ensure that all students receive challenging instruction based on the
learning standards in the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks. The curriculum for all students,
including students with disabilities, must be aligned with these standards. MCAS is designed to
improve teaching and learning; serve as the basis, with other indicators, for school and district
accountability; and certify that students have met the Competency Determination standard in order to
graduate from high school.
B. Participation in MCAS by Students with Disabilities
Definition of a Student with a Disability
For the purposes of MCAS, a student with a disability is defined as having an Individualized
Education Program (IEP) provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement
Act of 2004 and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 71B, or a plan provided under Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Legal Requirements
The Massachusetts Education Reform Law of 1993, the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Improvement Act of 2004, and the No Child Left Behind law (2001) require full participation by students
with disabilities in state and district assessments and require that all Massachusetts students whose
education is publicly funded, even those with significant disabilities, receive instruction that is aligned
with the skills, concepts, and knowledge supported by the learning standards in the Massachusetts
curriculum frameworks. Lawmakers recognize that students with disabilities are more likely to be
provided equal access to resources and learning opportunities if their academic assessments are based on
the same learning standards as those of non-disabled students, and if these students are included in school
and district accountability.
All students in publicly funded programs, including students with disabilities, must participate in
MCAS, including students who are enrolled in the following educational programs:
• public schools, including charter schools
• educational collaboratives
• approved and unapproved special education private schools, both in and outside the state
• institutional programs
• programs operated by the Department of Youth Services and the Department of Children and
Families
• home and hospital tutoring programs funded by a district
Students with disabilities must participate in one of the following assessments as determined by their
IEP Team or 504 team:
• standard MCAS tests without accommodations
• standard MCAS tests with appropriate and necessary accommodations
• MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt)
MASSACHUSETTS COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM
2013 Educator’s Manual for MCAS-Alt
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